Making the decision to revamp your diet and shed some pounds takes
courage, dedication, time, and effort, but it’s completely possible.
Choosing the right approach can mean the difference between short-term,
fleeting results and lasting success.
Before embarking on any weight-loss plan, it’s wise to check in
with your doctor. This is especially important if you struggle with any
serious weight-related health problems. It’s also smart to surround
yourself with other experts, friends, and family members who will
support you. Besides boosting your confidence, they can empathize when
you meet setbacks and offer fresh ideas on what might work.
The seemingly endless weight loss options can be overwhelming.
Whether it’s from a magazine, a clinic at a hospital, a storefront at a
mall, or a book your coworker lent you, make sure to research each
weight-loss plan thoroughly. The Internet is a great source of diet
reviews, but be wary of the reviews that always seem to promote one plan
over the rest. Once you’ve narrowed your options ask yourself the
following questions.
What Is Day-to-Day Life on this Plan Like?
Set yourself up for success by selecting a plan that is doable.
For example, if you adore pasta and bread, you are setting yourself up
for failure by choosing a low-carb diet. Juggling a full-time job and
three kids might leave you with no time to attend weekly weigh-in
sessions. Not to worry. There’s a plan out there for everyone.
How Many Daily Calories Can You Have, and Will that Change as You Lose Weight?
Some plans, including cleanses, ask followers to adhere to
extremely strict calorie allotments. But too few calories can leave you
physically drained and can exhaust your willpower. Not to mention the
fact that your body will go into starvation mode, hanging on to the few
calories you do put in.
Many people have found success with the 500 Rule. Slashing 500
calories a day leads to a loss of 1 pound per week (1 pound equals 3,500
calories). But for some people, especially those who are very active,
slashing 500 calories can be too much and leave them without the energy
they need. The ballpark figure doesn’t factor in gender, activity level,
or muscle mass — all of which affect how many calories your body needs
each day. Check in with your doctor or a nutritionist to get their
input. These professionals may suggest a more tailored approach to
calorie reduction.
According to the
Weight-Control Information Network,
a safe and attainable goal is 1 to 2 pounds per week. When you lose at
this slower pace you’re more likely to keep the weight off.
What Types of Foods Will You Be Eating, and Are Any Foods “Off Limits”?
A sensible weight-loss plan will involve plenty of:
- vegetables
- fruits
- whole grains
- lean protein
- low-fat or fat-free dairy
- healthy fats
- occasional snacks
Take a look at a week’s worth of eating plans, and ask yourself,
“Is this doable for me? Would I enjoy eating these foods, not just for a
week or a month, but for the rest of my life?”
You should also be encouraged to drink plenty of water. Today,
many experts say that you don’t necessarily need eight 8-ounce glasses a
day. Instead, you should drink enough to produce urine that is pale in
color. This pale color indicates a well-hydrated body.
If a plan labels a food or food group “off limits,” it will likely
be too difficult to adhere to for an extended period of time. We can’t
live on cabbage soup alone. It is good, however, to avoid foods that are
widely accepted as being unhealthy, such as fried foods and high-fat
processed meats. As soon as you resume eating those foods, the weight
will come right back.
Look for a plan that allows some amount of flexibility. Hard and
fast rules may lead to weight loss, but they are often the cause of
post-diet weight gain. Perhaps a plan that allows you “cheat meals” or
“free days” will be just the freedom needed to allow you to lose weight
while still indulging in the occasional treat.
Does the Plan Involve Physical Activity?
Beware of too-good-to-be-true plans that promise weight loss
without working up a sweat. Any solid plan will require increased
physical activity. Besides torching calories, working out benefits your
health in countless other ways. It boosts your mood and raises your
high-density lipoprotein (“good”) cholesterol level. According to the
National Institutes of Health, exercise reduces your risk of a host of chronic diseases including:
- heart disease
- osteoporosis
- type 2 diabetes
- certain types of cancer
According to the
NIH,
about 2.5 hours of exercise per week is a reasonable goal. Getting some
amount of physical activity each day will help you create a lasting
healthy habit. By combining cardiovascular exercise with strength
training and flexibility training, you can get the most of your time
spent working out.
Is There a Cost Involved, and If So, What Is It?
Make sure you can afford the plan and look for hidden costs. Some
programs may require you to purchase the company’s frozen meals, yet
others will teach you to shop for groceries on your own. If a plan
demands you purchase the company’s supplements, walk away. There are
truly countless diet and weight-loss plans out there. Finding the right
one for your particular goals and lifestyle can seem overwhelming. By
knowing what to look for you can narrow down the field and hone in on
those that offer lasting, healthy results.